Learn of the devil!

There are many reasons why I love Hugh Latimer (seriously, I have about 5,324 as of today) and I love when I get to add one to the list. While reading John Stott's, Between Two Worlds, I came across a sermon of Hugh Latimer. Enjoy a brief excerpt.

And now I would ask you a strange question; who is the most diligent bishop and prelate in all England; that passes all the rest in doing his office? I can tell, for I know who it is; I know him well. But now I think I see you listening and hearkening that I should name him. There is one that passes all the other, and that is the most diligent prelate and preacher in all England. And will ye know who it is? I will tell you -- it is the Devil. He is the most diligent preacher of all others; he is never out of his diocese; he is never from his cure; you shall never find him unoccupied; he is ever in his parish; he keeps resilience at all times; you shall never find him out of the way; call for him when you will, he is ever at home. He is the most diligent preacher in all the realm. He is ever at his plough; no lording or loitering can hinder him; he is ever applying his business; you shall never find him idle, I warrant you... Where the devil is resident, and has his plough going, there away with books and up with the light of candles, yea, at noonday;... up with man's traditions and his laws, down with God's traditions and his most holy word;... Oh that our prelates would be as diligent to sow the corn of good doctrine as Satan is to sow cockle and darnel!... There was never such a preacher in England as he is.

The conclusion of the sermon went like this:

The prelates... are lords, and no labourers; but the devil is at his plough. He is no unpreaching prelate; he is no lordy loiterer from his cure; but a busy ploughman... Therefore, ye unpreaching prelates, learn of the devil: to be diligent in doing your office... If you will not learn of God, nor good men, to be diligent in your office, learn of the devil.